The anticipation for the prestigious Metro FM Music Awards (MMAs) 2025 continues to build, with hours before the spectacular ceremony slated for May 3 at the iconic Mbombela Stadium.
This year, attendees can expect an unprecedented fusion of music and fashion, as Africa Fashion International (AFI) prepares to unveil a major on-stage fashion showcase that will redefine the concept of awards show entertainment.
The AFI Fashion Experience is set to transform the MMAs stage into a dynamic runway, showcasing the latest collection from NALA | Privé.
It is explained that the collection pays homage to the tradition of Black Dandyism through contemporary designs that interplay with cultural symbolism, showcasing a powerful statement of contemporary African aesthetics.
This remarkable collaboration promises a high-energy blend of avant-garde fashion designs and live performances by some of the most popular nominated artists, reimagining how fashion and music can elevate one another in an exhilarating live format.
Thabang Mapokgole, the show producer emphasises that this initiative aims to create a new template illustrating how fashion and music can complement and elevate one another in real-time.
“This is not just a fashion show; it is a reimagining of what an awards ceremony can be,” said Mapokgole.
“By bringing the AFI Fashion Experience to the heart of the MMAs, we are creating a new template for how fashion and music can elevate each other in real time. The NALA | Privé collection will make a powerful statement about contemporary African aesthetics while honouring our rich sartorial heritage.”
The collection, crafted by AFI’s in-house atelier under the guidance of 2023/24 AFI Fastrack Prize winner Loice Dube, also features bold colours, exaggerated silhouettes, and meticulous tailoring, celebrating both the history and future of Black Dandyism.
It has also been highlighted that the significance of the event extends beyond celebration; it serves as an economic catalyst for Mpumalanga's tourism sector.
MEC for Economic Development and Tourism, Makhosazane Masilela, expressed her enthusiasm for the event, stating, “We are excited that all roads are leading to our province this weekend. The MMAs are not just a music or social cohesion event; they are a tourism event that attracts thousands of visitors to our picturesque province, Mpumalanga – The Place of the Rising Sun”.
Masilela says she appreciates the event’s ability to generate substantial economic activity, impacting local businesses and hospitality services.
She also encouraged visitors to remain in Mpumalanga beyond the awards weekend to explore the wealth of cultural and natural attractions the region has to offer, including God's Window and Sudwala Caves. “I guarantee they will not regret such a decision,” she affirmed, highlighting the transformative potential of the MMAs on the local economy.
The main stage hosts for this year’s awards are radio and television personality Luthando ‘Lootlove’ Shosha and cultural commentator Siyabonga Ngwekazi, popularly known as ‘Scoop Makhathini’. together, they are expected to guide viewers through a night that promises to be a highlight of South Africa's music calendar.
Adding to the glamour, actress and TV presenter Anele Zondo, alongside METRO FM’s Hustler Fix host Mpumi Mlambo, will grace the Black Carpet, which will be sponsored by the Motsepe Foundation. Meanwhile, multi-talented host Dineo Ranaka and hip-hop artist Thato Madonsela, known as ‘L-Tido’, will be in the Green Room, interviewing winning artists fresh off the stage.
The MMAs 2025 promises an unparalleled lifestyle experience, melding two main events into one unforgettable night: an awards ceremony and a spectacular music festival featuring renowned performers such as Master KG, Black Motion, K.O., and Zee Nxumalo.
anita.nkonki@inl.co.za
Saturday Star
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